“He took our illnesses and bore our diseases.” (Matthew 8:17)
Throughout his Gospel, Matthew wanted to show his Jewish people that Jesus was the promised Messiah. In Matthew 8:14-17, we read how Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law, one of Jesus’ disciples. After describing this healing, Matthew refers to the words of the prophet Isaiah. Centuries earlier, this prophet had said of the Messiah, “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4) Jesus “took our weaknesses and diseases from us” so that they no longer burden us. Jesus not only redeems us from sin but He also wants to free us from our fears, pain and diseases. Matthew shows the power and strength of Jesus in his accounts of various healings. His touch on the leper, His word to the centurion’s servant and His touch on the hand of Peter’s mother-in-law were enough to heal these people. In all the healings that Matthew recounted, he wanted to make a point: consider what the prophets said about the Messiah. Look at Jesus. His words and actions are in line with what was promised about Him. Therefore believe that He is the Messiah, the saving Son of God.
How did you become convinced that Jesus is the Son of God?
Are there any sicknesses or weaknesses that Jesus has taken away from you? Thank Him for this today.